Utah State University President Stan Albrecht, joined by the awards selection committee, presented the Department Teaching Excellence Awards for 2005 to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Physics, recognizing their value to learning excellence. Both departments are members of the College of Science, and Dean Donald Fiesinger was on hand to recognize the accomplishments of each.
During the Department Teaching Excellence Award process, departments across campus are encouraged to showcase their commitment to fostering an environment of teaching excellence by applying for the award.
"We recognize the incredible effort that goes into preparing the portfolio, and we appreciate what you do for Utah State in achieving excellence," said Chris Fawson, Utah State's vice provost.
The annual award adds $15,000 to the base budget of the departments selected, as well as a one-time increment of $5,000 to the award recipients. The awards selection committee includes faculty, students, administrators and a member of the board of trustees.
The Department of Physics was recognized for its excellence in maintaining high-quality degree programs at all levels. Instruction in physics at Utah State is guided by the principle that "research is teaching," and collaborative discovery is an especially effective form of teaching used in its classes.
Faculty from the department personally mentor their students, resulting in an unparalleled record of student success — in the past five years, physics students have obtained prestigious fellowships from the Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater and National Science foundations.
"We appreciate your dedication and commitment to your classes," said Fawson.
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's culture of teaching excellence centers on the idea that to truly learn science, one must do science. The department places a great deal of emphasis on engaging its students in the discovery process, not just for graduate students but for the undergraduate experience.
The department believes that it is through the creative inquiry processes of research that a young person matures into a scientist. For this reason, the research experience is the cornerstone of the department's instructional philosophy.
"You had an excellent presentation, and we enjoyed attending your classes and learning more about your teaching approaches," Fawson said.
Albrecht encouraged each department to sit together at the 2005 commencement ceremonies to be recognized for excellence in teaching.
"Congratulations and thanks for the wonderful work you do for the students, said Albrecht.
Contact: Chris Fawson (435)-797-0979
Writer: Whitney Russler
